R257 Used Block Of 6 *now With Pictures

I just started collecting stamps from my grandfathers collection a couple years ago. For the most part if I have a little bit higher value stamp, because I'm hella poor, I usually will sell a higher value bob stamp to help buy front of book stamps I need to fill holes. I can take a pic of the stamp when I get home from work, but how do I value a off stamp block that isn't in the specialized catalog, and a I can't find sale of a similar stamp anywhere online? It is perforated 10. It's in 2 vertical strips of 3 and it has,don't rember what it's called, selvage? Selvage is at the top of the stamps. Would just hate to sell it for $150 when it might be worth more.

Anyone know of a good book or anything that might help? I live in Colorado and there is a very nice stamp library that probebly has a book I can check out.

Or maybe I should have put this post in the "willing to trade" forums instead. Harder to find blocks are not a real serious interest to me right now, so if someone else would get more enjoyment out of it than me, I'd be happy to do a trade of some kind. Right now I'm focusing/interested in filling more of the single stamp holes I have to fill.

please post a photo...

Yeah figured. I'll have the wife take a photo when she gets home. Was just bored at work trying to reasearch this and was having trouble finding a whole lot similar to it.

I agree with Kevin - please post a photo.

Assuming the identification of R257 is correct (something most of us are unwilling to concede given the number of printings this stamp has), there are too many factors to take into account to give you an accurate idea of value without seeing the block. Centering, condition, and type of cancellation really matter here ...

Brian

The above is certainly correct. It should be remembered that it takes both supply and demand to create the market. Just because a stamp is less common in a block does not automatically mean that it is more popular that way.

Yeah I'll wait till I get home and take some scans. Had another question about a stamped envelope square too so I can get pics on both of those.

OK. Promised pics. It for sure is perforated 10



More I got at the same time.




and the backs of all them.




These all came in the same lot I bought here locally at an estate auction along with a bunch of other stamps. All the stamps appear to have the same "cancelled" cancel. The horizontal pair I found interesting as it is a pair from the center block.

Lemme know what you all think.

EDIT: Sorry missed it. The vertical pair says "4 19 31"

Also, after looking a little closer, there is, at least in my mind,
no way that they could be faked. There's just too many hanging perforations in the backs.

They are certainly genuine. The block has average centering at best and a light but uninteresting manuscript cancel. It might bring about 1/3 of cat on ebay ($75-$100) from someone. The pairs have better centering, but have straight edges as well, possibly worth $40-$50 each. The single is perhaps worth $25-$30. As always this is provided there are enough interested collectors.

Ok cool. Thanks! I did think though that catalog of a out $150 was for blocks of 4?

Meh, doesn't really matter. I'll just throw it up fpr sale and let the market decide.

My 2010 Scott Specialized lists singles at $45/ea with no value given for blocks. Other blocks of stamps in that series typically have a 10% increase over singles so in your case 6x $45 = $270 + 10% = $297. Considering the centering (VG/F), manuscript cancellation, and straight-edge at the top, I would value your block of 6 at not more than $50 (retail). I would expect this to sell for $20-$25 on ebay.

Brian

Thanks for the info again! Guess I have it over priced right now, but seeing as I have had a hard time finding many examples of this stamp in more the 4 blocks I'll just have to wait and see.

Since I do have other stamps of this uncommon stamp, most with seemingly the same cancelation, I feel like they all came from maybe the same sheet? Would they have ever precanceled these stamps at a company?

Side note again, would the horizontal line pair withe the straight edge, with part of the bottom line making it be from the center line, bring the stamp back up to about even?

- for straight edge
+ for line pair
= zero

Your horizontal pair with centerline appears sound and is really well centered - making them your best two stamps. The centerline would likely attract a limited market - in particular, someone who specializes in this issue - and add very little to the overall value of the pair. The straight edge will not detract too much from the overall appeal of the pair, but the manuscript cancel will. I believe that pair will fetch as much as your block of 6.

Thanks! Might just keep the horizontal pair since I think I like it best!